Under Armour Returns to the Warrior Games for Seventh Year to Honor Military Community
Under Armour’s support for the military community knows no limits. For years, the brand has remained committed to positively impacting active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. One of the ways this comes to life is through Under Armour’s continued support of the annual Department of Defense Warrior Games.
Since 2017, Under Armour has outfitted the Warrior Games and its athletes, staff and volunteers. The Warrior Games are an adaptive-sports competition, highlighting the physical skills and mental toughness of wounded, ill, and injured active-duty and veteran service members. Over 200 wounded, ill, and injured service members from all branches of the military, including the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and U.S. Special Operations Command, lace up for a variety of adaptive sports at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. Athletes compete in a series of adaptive sports including archery, cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, field, wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing, powerlifting, and wheelchair rugby.
"I am so proud of the relationship we have cultivated with the Warrior Games over the years – it’s an inspiring event that showcases the resilience and determination of our wounded service members,” said Kevin Plank, CEO of Under Armour. “These athletes represent the essence of Under Armour so it has been incredible to witness their grit and talent firsthand. We celebrate their sacrifices and support their unwavering spirit as athletes.”
The Warrior Games began with an exciting Kick-Off Event on June 22, which included an appearance from Kevin Plank, who addressed the athletes before the games began. Plank was joined by Under Armour Freedom athlete JP Lane, who is competing this year for Team Army in multiple events.
In 2011, JP was wounded while deployed in Afghanistan, which resulted in the loss of both of his legs, among countless other injuries. Doctors told JP that he would never sing or speak again. But he has been proving them wrong ever since. He is a double amputee recording artist, author, motivational speaker, Purple Heart veteran, who lives by the mantra that nothing can slow him down. JP is the perfect example of an Under Armour athlete who is dedicated to their craft and committed to performing at the highest level—even, and especially, under adversity. Under Armour has been a longtime supporter of JP’s and designed special running blades for him to use during competition.
"I’m grateful for all the support the Under Armour team has offered me over the years,” Lane said. “Under Armour has consistently instilled confidence in me and given me opportunities to push myself and reach my goals. The Warrior Games serve as a fantastic reminder of the strength within wounded service members to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Under Armour’s products including my custom blades have improved my performance and ability to compete and I’m proud to sport the Under Armour logo while I do it.”
This year, Under Armour dressed 275 athletes, including JP, head-to-toe in Under Armour products. One of those products is the UA SLIPSPEED™, Under Armour’s most versatile performance shoes yet that help athletes push the boundaries of performance while offering an accessible solution for Warrior Games athletes. The UA SlipSpeed™ was born from athlete insights, combining ISO-CHILL technology, the BOA lace system, and UA Flow technology with a “crushable” heel that makes it easy to slip on and off for athletes of all abilities. Athletes, staff, and volunteers also received the UA Unstoppable Fleece Jacket and Joggers, made stretchy and breathable for superior comfort and mobility, that were each branded for the different military branches that the athletes were representing. These Unstoppable pieces were born from performance with flexible fabric that breathes easy and moves with athletes through every stretch. These products contribute to enhancing the recovery and rehabilitation of these athletes, encouraging physical activity, and promoting opportunities for growth.
The Warrior Games will run until June 30 at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida. Under Armour is honored to stand alongside the military community this week, celebrating their achievements, supporting their journeys, and looks forward to doing so again for many more years to come.
